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Capacity Builders Newsletter

Capacity Builders

The latest edition of the Capacity Builders newsletter has been published, you can read the articles below.

Launching, learning and linking - Capacitybuilders' conference 17 June 2008

Capacitybuilders' Annual Conference - Launching, learning and linking' - is being held on Tuesday 17 June at the newly refurbished Birmingham Town Hall.  The event will mark the beginning of our new three funding programmes and will focus on developing a constructive relationship between us as a funder and grant holders from the 2008-11 ChangeUp programmes.

We look forward to welcoming Minister for the Third Sector, Phil Hope MP as keynote speaker and anticipate a stimulating and thought provoking day.  We have a range of interactive sessions planned, providing opportunities for delegates to reflect on how we can all learn from the exciting range of work funded under ChangeUp.  To register your interest in attending the event, please email kate.endacott@capacitybuilders.org.uk.  Please note that spaces are limited, with priority being given to organisations funded by Capacitybuilders.

Conversation continues between National Support Services and local and regional consortia

An interactive seminar held on 15 May in Birmingham has developed specific ideas and practical recommendations about how local and regional consortia and the new National Support Service (NSS) providers can work with each other. Outcomes from the seminar will feed into the National Support Service lead agencies refresh of their business plans, a process which is due to be completed by the end of July.

The seminar was organised by Capacitybuilders and included delegates  from local and regional consortia, the National Support Services, their partners and SKiLD.  To read more about this event, please visit our website

Addressing sector support issues

Capacitybuilders' Acting Chief Executive, Catherine Johnstone is meeting with local, sub-regional and regional consortia and other grant recipients during a series of round table discussions across England.

This is a crucial time for everyone working to improve sector support services and Capacitybuilders are keen to identify and address the salient issues across the regions. These small sessions will underline our commitment to actively engage with key stakeholders.  The relaxed, informal environment will provide delegates with the opportunity to discuss with Capacitybuilders, the issues that matter to them.

Procurement training sessions now available

After a competitive tender process, Derbyshire based organisation Tending for Care (TfC) have secured a contract to deliver procurement training to the third sector.  The series of training events are designed to help third sector organisations and small businesses to tender effectively for public sector contracts.  Sessions will run across the UK during June 2008.

In particular, the training will focus on helping organisations to engage in programmes managed by the Department of Work and Pensions, such as the 'Flexible New Deal'.  To find out more about this, please visit the TfC website.